The Atlanta Braves were given a clear reason to consider Grant Holmes as a potential postseason starter early in August, with the right-hander completing 12.0 scoreless innings, giving up only eight hits in the process. Leading us to this weekend's start, where Holmes once again wasn't able to get deep into a game, completing 3.2 innings, giving up six earned runs on six hits and walking three Diamondbacks in a game that once again showed how wide open the competition is for a potential postseason rotation.
Martin Perez, Bryce Elder, and Holmes have all had stretches of impressive production that left reason to wonder if they could be scheduled behind Chris Sale. Trade deadline addition Tyler Mahle has given up one lone run in 12.0 innings pitched, pointing to the clear possibility that what appeared to be an underwhelming addition could become shockingly impactful.
No matter how it plays out, the issue for Holmes has continued to be a lack of consistency. The right-hander has the needed pitches to be a consistent starting option and a middle-of-the-rotation presence that stabilizes Atlanta's current options.
This has been the case at times this season, but the lack of consistency has grown incredibly frustrating. It will be interesting to watch how the Braves manage Holmes moving forward, understanding what a healthy rotation could look like moving into the 2026 season.
Braves Have Clear Level of Frustration as Grant Holmes Continues Inconsistent Season
Looking at next season, the Braves are expected to have Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, Spencer Schwellenbach, and JR Ritchie all healthy and looking to make the 2027 rotation. Holmes is quickly running out of time to cement his future with a franchise that has a wealth of pitching and reason to believe that next season's rotation is going to be nearly impossible to crack.
Holmes needs to find the form of the previous two starts and go on a run that proves consistency isn't impossible for the veteran to achieve. Not only does the fate of the pitcher next season hang in the balance, but there is also the aforementioned competition for a postseason role that remains wide open, with Atlanta clearly being in the driver's seat in the National League East and in contention for the National League's top spot.
No question, the Braves aren't waving the white flag on Holmes after another rough start. It is simply noteworthy in what has been a season full of inconsistent production and has left obvious question marks around the veteran's future.
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